The world has been suffering from a deadly heatwave since June. In southern Europe, including Spain and Italy, temperatures have soared close to 40 degrees Celsius, prompting countries to enter emergency alert status. Italy has banned outdoor labor in certain regions, while France has recommended the temporary closure of schools exposed to dangerous conditions as needed.

Yonhap News

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The United States has also been hit by a June heatwave. About ten days ago, a heat dome triggered widespread heat alerts from the Midwest to the East Coast. As of June 24, the population affected by the heat alerts reached 160 million. On the East Coast, cities such as New York and Boston recorded daytime highs exceeding 37 degrees Celsius, while other major cities in the East, including Washington DC and Philadelphia, saw temperatures approach 40 degrees Celsius.

An animation analyzing the record-breaking heatwave sweeping through the US Midwest and East, created by NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) using satellite data.

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Experts believe this heatwave is not a one-time event. According to the Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S), the European Union's climate monitoring agency, March of this year was the hottest March in European history. Due to global warming, extreme weather events such as heatwaves, floods, and droughts are occurring more frequently. Last year was the hottest year ever recorded since climate monitoring began, and global damages are estimated to have reached $300 billion (approximately 409 trillion won).

When a heat advisory or warning is issued, it is safest to avoid outdoor activities between 12 p.m. and 5 p.m., the hottest part of the day. If going outside is unavoidable, it is important to wear a wide-brimmed hat or use a parasol, wear arm sleeves to block sunlight, and choose lightweight, breathable clothing. If symptoms such as muscle cramps or dizziness occur during outdoor activities, it is crucial to rest immediately in a cool place. Infants, the elderly, and pregnant women should be especially cautious to prevent heat-related illnesses.